Sight seeing southern france

Release the inner tourist in you and see the sights of southern France

Of course everyone's ideal holiday is different and sightseeing is a matter of personal preference, but here are a few of our favourites ...

Canal du Midi -This UNESCO world heritage site passes through our area just a couple of miles from Posh Gite as the crow flies. We have listed above a few of the restaurants that line its banks but there are also other activities available in the vicinity – the tow paths are perfect for walking, running and cycling or you can enjoy a leisurely boat ride. The closest access point from here is at La Croisade but for either cycle hire or boat hire/trips you need to visit Le Somail, Homps, Capestang or Colombiers.

If the engineering feat that is the Canal du Midi is something that fascinates you, a trip to Les Ecluses de Fonseranes outside Beziers is a must. As well as giving information about the building of the canal and its maintenance, the series of 9 restored locks cannot fail to impress.

Le Somail – A beautiful hamlet on the Canal with a number of bars/restaurants and an enormous old bookshop stocked with countless antique and modern books on just about every subject under the sun. A booklover’s paradise.

Minerve – A historic cliff-top village perched on a rock in the centre of the River Cesse gorge dating back to the 1200’s. It was the site of a famous siege and you can see a reconstruction of the medieval weapon known as a ‘malvoisine’.

Narbonne – With a history shaped by the Greeks and Romans (and many others) the city centre is well worth a visit. A section of the Via Domitia was unearthed relatively recently and is open to view in the town hall square. The tree lined avenues either side of the Canal du Robine are an ideal place to sit and soak up the atmosphere – and the sun …

Carcassonne – Another UNESCO world heritage site and about 1 hour by car is a beautifully preserved and maintained medieval citadel. It is possible to walk almost the entire circumference of the ancient walls as well as explore the narrow winding streets of the old cite. There are usually displays and activities taking place inside the walls and an abundance of restaurants of all types. Parking (pay on exit) is to be found just outside the citadel walls – best to get there reasonably early in summer as it can get busy and hot at the height of the season.

The Oppidum at Enserune – This ancient hill-top town is located outside Nissan-lez-Enserune near Montady. You can access the settlement for a small charge and the views of the circular sun-ray pattern land drainage system across the etang towards Montady are amazing.